The project of Norwegian architects won an international competition in 2018: even then the library was considered as an iconic space on the cultural map of the city. The main feature of the newly opened Beijing City Library is the world’s largest air-conditioned reading room. Central to Snøhetta’s concept was the idea of creating an emotional connection between books, people and the surrounding natural landscape: thus, the team saw the library not just as a place to store publications, but as a center of learning and culture. Thanks to this approach, halls for conferences, exhibitions, performances and restoration of ancient books appeared here. At the center of the library is a spacious forum surrounded by curved stepped terraces, which serve as an informal area for relaxing, socializing and reading. Ginkgo trees are planted around the building: according to the architects, they glorify the heritage of Beijing and strengthen the building’s connection with nature.
Фото: © Yumeng Zhu.
